Men’s Shed Worcester, a local charity based in the Crypt of St Clement’s Church, has been successfully combatting social isolation and loneliness through woodworking and crafting for four years.
With around 40 active members, the Shed provides a supportive environment where men can work on individual or group projects, build connections and talk about their mental health.
The Shed is a safe and welcoming space for connecting with others, learning new skills, staying physically active, being present, and giving back to the community with projects such as repairing public noticeboards and building buddy benches.
One member said: “I was suffering from depression and joining the Shed has given me a new sense of purpose and self-worth. It keeps me physically active, and I enjoy the companionship.”
Another added: “The Shed has been a lifeline for me. It’s a place where I can be myself and feel valued. The sense of community and support is incredible. It’s like having a second family.”
Recently, the Crypt was renovated to include a kitchen, social area, and disabled toilet, thanks to a grant from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team. This upgrade means the Shed is now self sufficient and can be open for longer.
As a result, Men’s Shed Worcester is now expanding its activities to include crafting, mosaic tiling, and stained glass, offering short courses open to wider community.
Chairman of Men’s Shed Worcester, Colin Bunce, said: “Until now the Shed has been ‘men only’, but from the beginning of March 2025 we have opened on a Wednesday as a ‘Community Shed’ from 10am to 1pm. This new development would not have been possible without the recent addition of a toilet and kitchen area in the crypt, funded by the Public Health grant. So, we are very grateful to the Council for their generous support and look forward to this new stage in the life of Men’s Shed Worcester.”
You can see and hear more about the Men’s Shed in this short video:
If you are a community group and wish to apply for a health and wellbeing grant seeking to increase residents’ physical activity to support health and wellbeing, please visit our website for more information: Physical Activity Wellbeing Grant | Worcestershire County Council
